"Oh?" Mu Shaoling chuckled lightly and after a while, he said, "She does like to meddle in other peopleâs affairs."
Mu Shaolingâs casual remark made Shen Qiuâs heart race.
"Did you fail the selection, or did you join halfway?"
With just two simple questions, Shen Qiuâs joy soared again, as this seemed promising.
"I failed the selection." After saying that, Shen Qiu worried that Mu Shaoling might think she was not worthy of his help, so she quickly added, "I was eliminated only at the final stage."
"Oh."
Mu Shaoling nodded indifferently. In his opinion, whether eliminated at the final stage or the first one, the result was the same: she was unqualified.
Itâs not that he couldnât help her with this matter; he could indeed arrange for someone to meet the Emperor. However, it would require a bit of effort to cover up and ensure the Emperor wouldnât know that he was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
But why would Xiaxia ask him to do such a thing? After pondering, he decided not to give a clear response.
"Alright, I understand. You may go back now."
As Mu Shaolingâs attitude remained unclear, Shen Qiu grew anxious. She had heard that Funanâs beauties were to be sent to Capital City before December, and there was not much time left.
Unable to hold back her urgency, she asked, "Divine Doctor Mu, can you help me with this matter?"
Only then did Mu Shaoling glance at her. Her appearance was indeed delicate and graceful, which made her quite pretty. Logically, she shouldnât have been eliminated.
Before Mu Shaoling could speak, a young servant behind him stepped forward, "If he told you to go back and wait, then go back and wait. Why are there so many questions?"
Seeing that Mu Shaoling had lowered his eyelids again, Shen Qiu reluctantly bowed and took her leave.
As soon as Shen Qiu left Muâs Clinic, Mu Shaoling instructed his young servant, "Send a message to Yangshu Village and ask for her opinion."
"Yes, young master."
~~~~
Back in Yangshu Village, Yang Chuxiaâs face darkened upon hearing the news from Mu Shaoling. She hadnât expected Shen Qiu to be so calculating. Even after she rejected her, Shen Qiu still managed to take the initiative and go directly to Mu Shaoling.
"Madam Ye, our young master asked me to inquire about your opinion on this matter."
"I have no opinion on this. Since she wasnât selected, it means sheâs not destined to serve in the palace. Itâs better to let nature take its course." After a momentâs thought, Yang Chuxia added, "By the way, tell your young master that she decided to do this on her own. I never intended to cause him any trouble."
"I understand. Iâll report back to the young master. Goodbye."
"Wait." Yang Chuxia waved to Xiuâer, and shortly after, Li Wen brought over some sugarcanes. With a smile, she said, "These just ripened this year. Send them to your young master and Linhao, who loves them."
"Yes, thank you, Madam Ye."
The young servant then placed the sugarcanes onto the horse and galloped away. Watching his swift movements, Yang Chuxia thought to herself, "No wonder theyâre from a prominent family; even their servants are so capable."
When the young servant returned to the county town and relayed the message to Mu Shaoling, he frowned.
"Whyâd she send them to me? These are for that brat Linhao. Iâm only getting them by association."
The servant thought to himself, If the young master knows these were not meant for him, why even mention it? Itâs so annoying.
"So, young master, are we going to help Shen Qiu with her matter?"
"Why would we?" Mu Shaoling shook his head, "Didnât you hear her say to let nature take its course? This is about selecting people for the palace; we donât have the ability to interfere." His last words were laced with a hint of helpless self-mockery.